BREAKING: Former Liberty County High School football player Raekwon McMillan, has declared himself eligible for the 2017 NFL draft. McMillan broke the news with a Facebook post showing his photo and a letter of gratitude to the Ohio State fan base, classmates and coaching staff.

ORIGINAL PRINT STORY

Getting shutout 31-0 at the Play Station Fiesta Bowl is not the way the Ohio State Buckeyes wanted to end their season.
According to several sportswriters, however, the one bright spot was the top-notch work done by former Liberty County High School football player Raekwon McMillan.

McMillan led Ohio State’s defense with 15 total tackles, 12 solo, a sack and two tackles for loss of yards in the crushing defeat by Clemson New Year’s Eve.
For the second year in a row, McMillan led the team in tackles, closing 2016 out with 102.
Scout.com writer Tim Moody said McMillan’s play against Clemson might have boosted his draft stock. He said McMillan was widely considered a second-round pick but might hear his name in the first round, if he declares himself eligible.

Moody’s praise for McMillan’s efforts were echoed by writers James Grega and Ryan McGlade.
McMillan has until Jan. 16 to decide to go pro or play his senior year next season.
During interviews after the loss, McMillan said it was difficult. He said Clemson set the momentum throughout the game.

He said he had not decided whether he would declare early for the draft because he was focused on the big game. He said he will talk to his family and coaches in the days ahead to decide.
“I know I will sit down and talk to him (defensive coordinator Luke Fickell) about what would be the best decision for me, my family and this program.”

Fickell will be leaving Ohio State after taking the head coaching job at the University of Cincinnati.